Many times, cardiovascular, metabolic, and kidney diseases occur together. Health and mortality risks are amplified in individuals with more than one of these conditions. The commonly occurring triad is now defined as its own entity, namely cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome.

The pathophysiology of CKM syndrome involves complex molecular mechanisms interconnected through various pathways. CKM syndrome affects almost every major organ system, but its biggest effect is its inordinate burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Impaired kidney function is a central mechanism of heart failure and metabolic risk factors; thus, as CKM syndrome progresses, the risk of CVD increases. Sudden cardiac death, atrial fibrillation, stroke, coronary heart disease, and peripheral artery disease have all been linked to CKM syndrome.

The obvious consequence of this increased risk of CVD is reduced survival rates, so there is a critical need for HCPs to intervene with at-risk patients and to do so quickly. Proactive screening is critical to identifying patients with CKM syndrome, particularly in the earlier stages of the disease. Linkage of care is also important so that HCPs can holistically address lifestyle modifications, preserve existing renal function, help prevent kidney failure, and identify patients who require additional interventions.

How do you stress the link of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in your patients with impaired kidney function? What barriers to care linkage do you see in your clinical practice?